A PST file stores Outlook emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and other mailbox data. If the PST file becomes damaged, Outlook may show an error or fail to open it.

This problem can happen after an Outlook crash, sudden system shutdown, a large PST file, storage problems, or other file issues.

If you are searching for how to open corrupted PST file, there are several ways you can try. Start with the built-in Outlook repair tool. If that does not work, you can use a PST recovery or viewer tool to access the mailbox data.

Why Does a PST File Become Corrupted?

A PST file can become damaged for different reasons. Some common causes include:

• Sudden computer shutdown


• Outlook crashing while the PST file is open


• Large or oversized PST files


• Hard drive problems


• Moving the PST file incorrectly


• Virus or malware infection


• Damaged storage media


• Repeated Outlook errors


• Improper closing of Outlook

When the file is corrupted, Outlook may fail to load emails and other mailbox items.

Common Signs of a Corrupted PST File

You may have a damaged PST file if:

• Outlook cannot open the PST file


• Outlook shows a PST error


• Emails are missing from the mailbox


• Outlook stops responding when opening the PST


• Some folders cannot be opened


• Outlook repeatedly asks to repair the data file


• The PST file does not appear correctly in Outlook

Before trying any repair method, make a copy of the original PST file. This gives you a backup if something goes wrong during the repair process.

Method 1: Use Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool

Microsoft Outlook includes a built-in utility called Inbox Repair Tool, also known as SCANPST.EXE. It is designed to find and repair certain problems in Outlook data files.

Step 1: Close Outlook

Make sure Outlook is completely closed before running the repair tool.

Step 2: Find SCANPST.EXE

The location of SCANPST.EXE can vary depending on your Outlook version and installation.

You can search for:

SCANPST.EXE

on your Windows computer.

Step 3: Open the Repair Tool

Run SCANPST.EXE and browse to the location of your corrupted PST file.

Step 4: Select the PST File

Choose the PST file that Outlook cannot open.

Step 5: Start the Scan

Click Start to check the PST file for errors.

Step 6: Repair the File

If errors are found, select the option to repair the file.

It is recommended to keep a backup of the original PST before starting the repair.

Step 7: Open the Repaired PST

After the repair is finished, open Outlook and check whether the repaired PST file can be accessed.

The Inbox Repair Tool can help with many common PST problems, but it may not recover every item from a badly damaged file.

Method 2: Open the Corrupted PST File With PST Viewer Software

If Outlook cannot open the PST file even after using SCANPST.EXE, a PST Reader Tool can be another option.

A PST Reader Tool allows you to preview the contents of a PST file without depending entirely on Outlook to display the mailbox.

For example, SysTools PST Viewer can help users view PST mailbox items such as emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and other available data.

How to Open a Corrupted PST File With PST Viewer

Follow these general steps:

Step 1: Install and launch the PST viewer software.

Step 2: Select the option to add or open the PST file.

Step 3: Browse to the location where the corrupted PST file is saved.

Step 4: Select the PST file and load it into the software.

Step 5: Browse the available mailbox folders.

Step 6: Preview emails and other available Outlook data.

Depending on the condition of the PST file, the software may be able to display data that Outlook is unable to open normally.

Can I Open a Corrupted PST File Without Outlook?

Yes, you can try a dedicated PST Reader Tool if Outlook is not installed or cannot open the damaged PST file.

This can be useful when you only need to view PST emails without Outlook rather than continue using the damaged file as an active Outlook mailbox.

A viewer can also be helpful when you need to inspect the contents of an old PST file before deciding what to do with it.

What If SCANPST Cannot Repair the PST File?

If the Inbox Repair Tool cannot fix the PST file, do not keep modifying the original file repeatedly.

Instead:

1. Close Outlook.


2. Keep a copy of the original PST.


3. Try opening the copy with a PST viewer or recovery tool.


4. Preview the available mailbox data.


5. Export important items if the selected software supports export.


6. Save recovered data to a new location.

For severely damaged PST files, a dedicated recovery solution may be more suitable than the basic Outlook repair tool.

Tips to Avoid PST Corruption

You can reduce the chances of PST problems by following a few simple practices:

• Keep regular backups of important PST files.


• Do not force the computer to shut down while Outlook is running.


• Keep enough free space on the storage drive.


• Avoid storing important PST files on unreliable storage.


• Close Outlook properly.


• Keep your Outlook installation updated.


• Do not make unnecessary changes to the original PST when it is damaged.

Final Words

If Outlook cannot open your PST file, do not immediately assume that your emails are lost. First, make a backup copy of the damaged file and try the Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.EXE) and if you want to know what are the ways to repair PST wihtout SCANPST.EXE click here "SysTools PST Repair Tool"

If the repair does not solve the problem, you can try a PST Reader Tool to preview the contents of the corrupted PST without relying on Outlook. This can help you check whether your emails, contacts, calendars, and other mailbox data are still accessible.

For badly damaged PST files, using a dedicated PST recovery solution may provide a better chance of accessing and saving the available mailbox data.